Personal Flotation Device

ABSTRACT

A personal flotation device and method are disclosed to provide improved visibility for a person wearing the device in the water. The device is composed of a complex inflatable manifold including an extension that, when inflated, projects above the water&#39;s surface. The extension may also include a light and may also include a flag.

BACKGROUND

Personal flotation devices are well known and even required in many places for people who are enjoying time on the water, whether it be on the ocean or on lakes or rivers. The purpose of requiring a personal flotation device is to prevent drownings by ensuring that the person wearing the device will be supported at the surface of the water.

Personal flotation devices can be composed of buoyant chambers that are filled with foam or other buoyant materials, but these devices can be unwieldy to wear, resulting in some people choosing not to wear them. Personal flotation devices can also be composed of deflated buoyant chambers that are filled with gas when required. Typically, such a device also includes an inflation means, such as a container of compressed gas. The compressed gas may be released into the personal flotation device after a manual action, such as pulling a cord. A safer version of such a device includes a mechanism that will automatically release the compressed gas when immersed in water. Typically, a personal flotation device that includes an automatic deployment mechanism also includes the mechanism for a manual deployment.

When dealing with persons in the water, crew members still on board strive to maintain visual contact with the person in the water even in relatively benign conditions. A man-overboard-pole, location buoy or other similar device may be thrown overboard by a crewperson to mark the location where the person was lost overboard.

The following U.S. patents are prior art attempts to improve personal flotation devices and water safety devices. U.S. Pat. No. 4,598,661 discloses a signaling flag which depends upon user action to extend the device. U.S. Pat. No. 5,257,954 discloses a rescue buoy package that contains a location marking buoy with a weighted base and optionally an attached separate personal flotation device. U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,227 discloses a water safety device with a chamber that unfolds using water pressure to improve the visibility of the person wearing the device. U.S. Pat. No. 6,688,253 discloses a method for using a signaling device with a valve assembly to allow a scuba diver to selectively inflate the signaling device from an inflation source without affecting a buoyancy control device that the diver may also be wearing. U.S. Pat. No. 7,056,179 describes a complex series of bladders that could be reconfigured to support a single person or multiple people in the water. U.S. Pat. No. 8,251,763 discloses a device that includes a beacon pole that can attach to a personal flotation device.

But some fundamental problems remain with the state of the art in personal flotation devices and water safety devices. When a person has fallen overboard from a watercraft, even if they are wearing a personal flotation device, identifying their location visually is often very difficult. A watercraft, such as a sailboat or motorboat, may be traveling quickly and the person in the water will be some distance away before the alarm is able to be given. Location marking devices deployed overboard suffer from this lag between the person falling into the water and the alarm being given. Even if a crewperson onboard the vessel reacts quickly to a person overboard and throws an item to mark the location, a relatively slow sailboat travelling at 6 knots will have travelled 100 feet in 10 seconds and a powerboat at 25 knots will have travelled 420 feet. Additionally, in adverse circumstances, such as rough water due to river rapids, currents, swells, or strong winds, a person in the water may be hidden from the sight of even a diligent crew member. Further, location marking devices are not tethered to the person in the water and frequently the two drift apart, misleading the searchers still on the vessel. A need exists for a personal flotation device that improves the visibility of a person wearing it to aid in the successful recovery of that person if he or she has fallen overboard.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Devices and methods are disclosed for providing improved visibility for a person in the water wearing a personal flotation device.

A personal flotation device utilizes a multi-chambered bladder that may inflate after a manual action or after the device is immersed in water. At least one chamber of the bladder is configured to support the person wearing the device. At least a second chamber of the bladder is configured to extend substantially above the surface of the water. The second chamber may take different forms, such as an elongated tube with a circular cross-section, an elongated tube with a star or cross-shaped cross-section. The second chamber may also have stiffeners. The second chamber may also have a light emitting device. The second chamber may also have a flag.

An inflatable water safety device includes an inflatable manifold including at least two bladders. At least one bladder of the manifold is vest shaped and at least one other bladder is shaped as a tube closed on one end. The tube-shaped bladder extends substantially above the surface of the water after the device is inflated. The tube-shaped bladder may also have a light emitting device. The tube-shaped bladder may also have a flag.

The method includes an inflating personal flotation device including a multi-part bladder with one part of said bladder supporting the wearer at the surface of the water; and a second part of said bladder deploying above and roughly perpendicular to the surface of the water. The method may also include activating a light-emitting device when the inflation means has inflated the multi-part bladder. The method may also include inflating the multi-part bladder after the personal flotation device is immersed in water. The method may alternatively include inflating the multi-part bladder after a manual action.

It will be appreciated that this brief summary describes only some of the concepts of the invention disclosed in more detail in the following detailed description of the invention. The claimed metes and bounds of the invention are not limited to the contents of this summary.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example personal flotation device before inflation.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example personal flotation device in use after inflation.

FIG. 3 illustrates example cross-sections of the inflatable chamber that deploys above the water's surface.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate deployment examples of an inflatable water safety device with a flag and signaling light.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram relating to a method of providing improved visibility with a personal flotation device.

FIG. 6 illustrates an uninflated example device that may be fitted to an existing personal flotation device.

FIG. 7 illustrates an inflated example device that may be fitted to an existing personal flotation device.

Like numbers in drawings indicate discussion of the same object.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Illustrated in FIG. 1 is an example embodiment of a personal flotation device in accordance with this invention. The example personal flotation device 100 is shown in an uninflated state. The device 100 comprises a first chamber 110, a second chamber 120, an inflation means 130, a cover flap 140 for chamber 120 and strap assembly 150.

Chamber 110 provides buoyant support for the person wearing the device when inflated. In embodiments, chamber 110 may be roughly U-shaped where the head of the person wearing device 100 rests on the back of the U-shape when it is inflated. In other embodiments, chamber 110 may be vest-shaped with chamber 110 extending all the way around the torso of the person wearing device 100, not shown. Many gas-impermeable materials are well known for use in inflatable personal flotation devices, such as nylon or polyester fabrics coated on one or both sides with thermoplastic polyurethane. Chamber 110 may be constructed of any gas impermeable material suitable for such use. In embodiments, chamber 110 may be constructed with an inner gas impermeable layer covered by an outer layer of more rugged material, not shown, to protect the inner layer from abrasion, punctures or other damage while device 100 is deflated or after it is inflated. In embodiments, the rugged outer layer may be fastened closed around the outer edge with a hook and loop fastener such as Velcro® to minimize the size of the personal flotation device while worn deflated. The edge fastener may part when the inner gas impermeable layer is inflated.

Chamber 120, when inflated, provides improved visibility of the location of the person wearing device 100. In FIG. 1, chamber 120 is shown deflated and folded under flap 140. In FIG. 2, chamber 120 is shown inflated. Chamber 120 may be constructed of the same or a similar material as chamber 110.

Device 100 also includes an inflation means 130 attached to chamber 110. In embodiments, inflation means 130 may be a tube or vial containing a compressed gas, such as carbon dioxide. Many embodiments are possible for the connection between the inflation means 130 and chamber 110. One example embodiment would be a metal or plastic tube extending from inflation means 130 into chamber 110 that is sealed using a rubber gasket or formed plastic molding. Alternatively, means 130 may be substantially sealed within chamber 110 avoiding the need for other tubing or valves. In embodiments, means 130 may be replaceable after inflation has been triggered to allow reuse of the rest of device 100. In other embodiments, means 130 may be rechargeable to allow reuse of the device. Other embodiments of inflation means known to those skilled in the art, including pyrotechnic inflators and oral top-up valves, are embraced in this invention. In embodiments, a rugged outer layer, not shown, may cover inflation means 130 to prevent damage to the mechanism of means 130.

Also shown in FIG. 1 is flap 140 that covers chamber 120 in an uninflated state. Flap 140 may be attached to chamber 110 with fasteners that are resistant to water and handling, but readily detachable. In embodiments, flap 140 may be attached to the rugged outer cover of chamber 110. In embodiments, flap 140 may have additional fasteners that allow chamber 120, when inflated to expand by parting said fasteners.

Strap assembly 150 is used to ensure that device 100 is securely attached to the person using it. Assembly 150 consists at least of straps 151 and a buckle or clasp 152. In embodiments, the straps 151 may be made of various flexible, strong and water-resistant materials, such as nylon or polyester. The straps 151 fasten together with a buckle 152 or other clasp that will hold the straps in place. Many materials are well known for the straps and buckles, and many buckle and clasp designs are well known to those skilled in the art. In embodiments, the shape of chamber 110 will influence the shape of strap assembly 150. For instance, in FIG. 1, the straps must encircle the person to prevent them from slipping out of chamber 110's U-shaped design. In other embodiments of chamber 110, other embodiments of strap assembly 150 may be needed. If chamber 110 is vest shaped, for example, it may be sufficient for strap assembly 150 to simply connect the two front wings of chamber 110 to ensure that device 100 remains securely around the person wearing it.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of device 100 inflated and being worn by a person 210 in the water. Inflation means 130 may be been triggered automatically by immersion of device 100 in water. In embodiments, automatic inflation means 130 may have a switch that after coming into contact with water releases a spring-loaded pin puncturing a gas canister or, more recently, it may use a hydrostatic pressure valve. In other embodiments, inflation means 130 may have been triggered by a manual action. A non-exhaustive list of possible manual actions includes pulling on a lever, strap or cord, pushing on a button, or inserting a key. In FIG. 2, chamber 110 is inflated and supports person 210 in the water with strap 150 securing the person to chamber 110. Chamber 120 is also inflated and extends perpendicularly above the surface of the water to provide improved visibility of the location of person 210 to others.

In embodiments, chamber 120 may be a simple cylinder as shown in FIG. 2, or chamber 120 may have a more complex structure to improve the rigidity of chamber 120 and its bending resistance to wind. Chamber 120 may have a uniform cross section, or its cross section may decrease with the distance away from chamber 110. In embodiments, chamber 120 may have a circular cross-section or it may have another cross section for improved rigidity, such as a cross-shaped cross section with internal fabric members, or a star shaped cross-section. Some example embodiments are shown in FIG. 3. Chamber 120 may also contain additional structure to improve its rigidity when inflated. In embodiments, chamber 120 may include internal or external ribs of metal or plastic material that may be coiled or folded flat for storage while deflated. In embodiments, visibility may also be improved by the addition of a light or flag to chamber 120, shown in FIGS. 4a and 4 b.

FIG. 3 illustrates example structures, such as cross-sections, to improve the rigidity of chamber 120 after inflation. Shape 310 illustrates a simple circular cross-section. Shape 320 illustrates a more complex cross-section having additional internal fabric ribs separating chamber 120 into a manifold with 4 chambers. Shape 330 illustrates a scalloped cross-section with ribs providing additional support. Shape 340 illustrates a simple circular cross-section with the addition of external ribs 341. In embodiments, ribs 341 may be plastic or metal attached to surface 340 of chamber 120. In other embodiments (not shown), ribs 341 may be internal to chamber 120. If ribs 341 are internal to chamber 120, they may or may not be fixed to the inside of surface 340 of chamber 120.

FIGS. 4a and 4b provide different perspectives illustrating the improved visibility of a person 410 in the water to a person 420 in a nearby vessel or watercraft. FIG. 4a shows a person 410 in the water and another person 420 searching for them. From above, person 410 seems easy to spot, but as FIG. 4b illustrates, wave action may hide person 410 from person 420's sight. When inflated, chamber 120 reaches above the waves allowing person 420 to more easily spot person 410.

To further improve visibility, in embodiments, device 100 may also include a flag 430 at the end of chamber 120. Flag 430 may be made of various colored or reflective materials to attract the eye of person 420. Important criteria for the material for flag 430 include water resistance, visibility and weight. The shape and size of flag 430 may have different embodiments, depending upon the materials chosen. For example, flag 430 may be made up of multiple reflective foil streamers which are light, and water resistant. Alternatively, flag 430 may be made up of a single polygon of brightly colored plastic material.

In other embodiments, visibility of device 100 may be improved by the addition of a steady or flashing light 440 to chamber 120, particularly in conditions of low light such as dusk or night or heavy fog. If the material of chamber 120 is substantially transparent or translucent, light 440 might be suspended inside of chamber 120 to light up chamber 120 as well as surrounding waters, not shown. In other embodiments, light 440 may be affixed to the top of chamber 120. In embodiments, light 440 will be activated when chamber 120 is inflated or upon a manual action. Many mechanisms are well known in the art for lights that are activated upon a condition. For example, the power source for light 440 may be one or more batteries, not shown. In an uninflated state, an insulating strip may separate the batteries and the rest of the light circuit. The insulating strip may be further attached to part of chamber 120. Light 440 may be activated when the inflation of chamber 120 removes the insulating strip that separated the batteries from the rest of the light circuit. Other mechanisms for turning on a light are also well known, such as a water-activated or manually activated switch, and are encompassed by this invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method for deploying a personal flotation device with improved visibility. Step 510 illustrates a condition to be met before deploying one embodiment of a personal flotation device with improved visibility. If the embodiment of the device depends upon immersion in water before inflating, then the device must be immersed in water before it will inflate.

Step 520 illustrates a different condition triggering an inflation of a personal flotation device with improved visibility. In some embodiments, a manual action may be taken to trigger an inflation of the device. Step 510 and step 520 may both be applicable to an embodiment of the device. Alternatively, one step or the other may be applicable to an embodiment.

If at least one of the conditions of step 510 and step 520 are met, then at step 530 the multipart bladder of the personal flotation device inflates. One part of the multipart bladder supports the person using the device and this remains substantially parallel to the surface of the water. Another part of the multipart bladder extends substantially perpendicularly above the surface of the water to provide enhanced visibility.

In some embodiments, step 540 will also be reached. A light emitting device will be activated. The light emitting device is preferentially located in or on top of the part of the multipart bladder that extends above the surface of the water. This raised light facilitates the improved visibility of a person in the water using this device.

FIG. 6 illustrates an uninflated example device 620 that may be retrofitted to an existing personal flotation device 610 that does not incorporate the previously described visibility improvement design. Existing personal flotation device 610 may be one that is constructed of permanently buoyant material, such as polyurethane foam, or one that is inflatable upon demand. Device 620 includes an inflation means 630, an inflatable chamber 710 (not shown in FIG. 6) stored under flap 640 and straps 651 and 652.

Device 620 may be attached to existing personal flotation device 610 by means of straps 651 and 652. In embodiments, straps 651 and 652 may be made of water-resistant materials such as nylon, may be elasticated, and may attach using substantially waterproof fasteners such as hook and loop strips. Straps 651 and 652 may encircle one portion of personal flotation device 610 or they may be affixed to a portion of device 610 with adhesive. In other embodiments not shown, device 620 may be attached to the central back strap of device 610. Alternatively, device 620 may be placed under the rugged outer cover present on many inflatable personal flotation devices and strapped in place. In still other embodiments, device 620 may be directly affixed to a portion of device 610 without the use of straps 651 and 652 through the use of an appropriate adhesive.

Inflatable chamber 710 may be constructed of a gas-impermeable material. Many gas-impermeable materials are well known for use in inflatable devices, such as nylon or polyester fabrics coated on one or both sides with thermoplastic polyurethane. Chamber 710 may have a uniform cross section, or its cross section may decrease with the distance away from personal flotation device 610. In embodiments, chamber 710 may have a circular cross-section or it may have another cross section for improved rigidity, such as a cross-shaped cross section with internal fabric members, or a star shaped cross-section. Some example embodiments are shown in FIG. 3. Chamber 710 may also contain additional structure to improve its rigidity when inflated. In embodiments, chamber 710 may include internal or external ribs of metal or plastic material that may be coiled or folded flat for storage while deflated. In embodiments, visibility may also be improved by the addition of lights or flags to chamber 710, similar to that shown in FIGS. 4a and 4 b.

Inflation means 630 provides gas to inflate chamber 710 stored under flap 640. In embodiments, inflation means 630 may be a tube containing a compressed gas, such as carbon dioxide. Many embodiments are possible for the connection between the inflation means 130 and chamber 710. One example embodiment would be a metal or plastic tube extending from inflation means 630 into chamber 710 that is sealed using a rubber gasket or formed plastic molding. Alternatively, the vial may be substantially sealed within chamber 710 avoiding the need for other tubing or valves. In embodiments, means 630 may be replaceable after inflation has been triggered to allow reuse of the rest of device 620. In other embodiments, means 630 may be rechargeable to allow reuse of device 620. Many embodiments of other inflation means are known to those skilled in the art, including pyrotechnic inflators and oral top-up valves, and are embraced in this invention.

In embodiments, flap 640 may be attached on one or more edges permanently to device 620. The remaining edge or edges may be attached by detachable means, such as hook and loop patches or tearaway pre-perforated material.

FIG. 7 illustrates device 620 after chamber 710 has been inflated. In embodiments, inflation means 630 may have been triggered automatically by immersion of device 620 in water. In other embodiments, inflation means 630 may have been triggered by a manual action. A non-exhaustive list of possible manual actions includes pulling on a lever, strap or cord, pushing on a button, or inserting a key. After inflation, chamber 710 extends substantially perpendicularly above the surface of the water to provide improved visibility of the location of a person wearing personal flotation device 610 to others. In embodiments, chamber 710 may be a simple tapered cylinder as shown in FIG. 7, or chamber 710 may have a more complex structure to improve the rigidity of chamber 710 and its resistance to wind. In embodiments, flap 640 may have remained attached on one or more sides or, in other embodiments, flap 640 may have detached or split along perforations.

Descriptions and particular examples are provided in this specification to enable one skilled in the art to understand the invention and are not meant to limit or circumscribe in any way the possible embodiments or implementations of this invention. The disclosure of aspects or elements of a particular embodiment are understood to not limit their use to only that embodiment; such disclosures may be applicable to some or all of the disclosed embodiments. 

I claim:
 1. A personal flotation device comprising: a bladder with a first chamber and a second chamber wherein the first chamber is configured to support a person wearing the device in the water and the second chamber is configured to project substantially above the water.
 2. The personal flotation device of claim 1 further comprising: a means to inflate at least the first and second chambers of the bladder.
 3. The personal flotation device of claim 2 wherein the inflation means is activated by immersing the personal flotation device in water.
 4. The personal flotation device of claim 2 wherein the inflation means is activated by a manual action.
 5. The personal flotation device of claim 1 wherein the second chamber comprises an elongated tube closed at the end farthest from the first chamber with a cross-shaped cross-section.
 6. The personal flotation device of claim 1 wherein the second chamber comprises an elongated tube closed at the end farthest from the first chamber with internal stiffeners.
 7. The personal flotation device of claim 1 wherein the second chamber comprises an elongated tube closed at the end farthest from the first chamber.
 8. The personal flotation device of claim 1 further comprising a light-emitting device associated with the second chamber configured to be visible above the surface of the water when the personal flotation device is inflated.
 9. The personal flotation device of claim 1 further comprising a high visibility flag associated with the second chamber configured to be visible above the surface of the water when the personal flotation device is inflated.
 10. An inflatable water safety device comprising: a single inflatable manifold; and an inflation means connected to the manifold operable to inflate the manifold; wherein the manifold further comprises: a vest-shaped bladder; and a tube-shaped bladder closed on one end wherein the closed end of the tube-shaped bladder extends substantially above the water when inflated.
 11. The inflatable water safety device of claim 10 wherein the inflation means inflates both bladders of the manifold after the inflatable water safety device is immersed in water.
 12. The inflatable water safety device of claim 10 wherein the inflation means inflates both bladders of the manifold after a manual action.
 13. The inflatable water safety device of claim 10 additionally comprising a high visibility flag attached to the tube-shaped bladder.
 14. The inflatable water safety device of claim 10 additionally comprising a light-emitting device associated with the tube-shaped bladder.
 15. The inflatable water safety device of claim 14 wherein the light-emitting device is activated upon immersion of the manifold in water.
 16. The inflatable water safety device of claim 14 wherein the light-emitting device is activated by a manual action.
 17. A method of deploying a personal flotation device comprising a multipart bladder and an inflation means to improve visibility of the wearer, the method comprising: inflating the multi-part bladder; wherein one part of said bladder supports the wearer at the surface of the water; and a second part of said bladder deploys above and roughly perpendicular to the surface of the water.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein the personal flotation device also comprises a light-emitting device attached to the second part of the bladder, the method further comprising: activating the light-emitting device when the inflation means has inflated the multi-part bladder.
 19. The method of claim 17, the method further comprising: inflating the multi-part bladder after the personal flotation device is immersed in water.
 20. The method of claim 17, the method further comprising: inflating the multi-part bladder after a manual action. 